Winterstein extends Cowboys contract

Toyota Cowboys outside back Antonio Winterstein will stay with North Queensland until at least the end of 2016 after agreeing to a three-year contract extension.

Winterstein played all 26 matches for the Cowboys in the recently completed 2012 NRL season after first joining the club from the Brisbane Broncos at the start of 2011.

His inaugural year was ruined by serious injuries, including a broken jaw in a pre-season trial, but his performances this year, predominantly on the left wing, showed why he is so highly regarded by the Cowboys coaching staff.

The 24-year-old has now played 35 NRL matches for North Queensland, crossing for 11 tries, and he should push for New Zealand selection for the Tests against Australia and the end-of-season World Cup in 2013.